Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were in for a “bumpy” ride after sending planes into the eye of Hurricane Milton to collect data on the massive storm barreling toward Florida.

The flight missions were conducted by the Aircraft Operations Center’s WP-3D Orion #NOAA43 aircraft, affectionately known as “Miss Piggy.”

The government agency said in a social media post that operations, such as “Miss Piggy,” are sent to collect crucial data that will help improve forecasts of their track and intensity and support hurricane research.

“Data collected by the agency’s high-flying meteorological stations helps forecasters make accurate forecasts during a hurricane and helps hurricane researchers better understand storm processes, improving their forecast models,” the agency said.

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NOAA Lockheed WP-3D Orion “hurricane hunter” aircraft (N43RF) takes off from Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, Florida. (NOAA)

NOAA Programs and Integration Engineer Nick Underwood stands next to an aircraft system and beneath one of NOAA’s two Lockheed WP-3D Orion “hurricane hunter” aircraft. (Sophie Talbert NOAA)

NOAA Programs and Integration Engineer Nick Underwood captured the intense run through the Category 5 cyclone.

The video captured the turbulent ride, during which loose objects — including Underwood’s cellphone and wallet — flew through the plane.

Radar display of NOAA WP-3D Orion N43RF “Miss Piggy” at the center of circulation of a tropical storm in 2023. (NOAA Nick Underwood)

The aircraft are flown and crewed by members of the NOAA Commissioned Officers Corp. and scientists on board use instruments that continuously transmit measurements to the ground.

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Crews are measuring the storm’s pressure, humidity, temperature, wind direction and speed to “gain a detailed picture of the storm’s structure and intensity.”

The projected track of Hurricane Milton indicates that it will likely impact most of the Florida peninsula. (FOX Weather)

Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida’s central-west Gulf Coast Wednesday evening, according to forecasters.

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Although its intensity is likely to fluctuate, it will remain an “extremely dangerous hurricane” upon landfall.